Double takes: A position-by-position look at the Huskers heading into the season

Parker Gabriel takes a closer look at each position heading into the 2019 season.

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Adrian Martinez.

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Quarterbacks

The players

2, Adrian Martinez, 6-2, 225, so.

7, Luke McCaffrey, 6-2, 200, fr.

14, Brayden Miller, 6-1, 210, fr.

16, Noah Vedral, 6-1, 200, so.

17, Andrew Bunch, 6-1, 215, jr.

18, Matt Masker, 6-1, 225, fr.

Second-to-none: Adrian Martinez

Consider this: A year ago, Martinez was just winning a close race for Nebraska’s starting quarterback job over Tristan Gebbia and hadn’t played a down of college football. For that matter, he hadn’t played any football at all — save for a high school all-star game and spring ball in Lincoln — since his junior year of high school. Now, he’s widely considered among the best returning quarterbacks in the Big Ten and in the country. Coaches and teammates unanimously expect a big jump from a freshman season that included 3,246 offensive yards and 25 touchdowns. Martinez already holds NU’s career record for 400-plus-yard total offense games at three and broke several other school records. In the Huskers' final eight Big Ten games, he averaged 340 yards per game. What does the encore look like? And just how far can the Fresno, California, native take Nebraska?

Two things to watch

1. Who wins the backup job? Noah Vedral started preseason camp as the odds-on favorite to win the No. 2 spot, but freshman Luke McCaffrey and junior walk-on Andrew Bunch are both also in the conversation. Vedral has the most experience in the system, but Bunch has played, too, and McCaffrey is already a notoriously quick study. Vedral is listed as No. 2 in the depth chart released on Monday.

2. Just how much (and when) will McCaffrey play? The freshman from Colorado is in a unique spot because of the redshirt rule. He can appear in up to four games while maintaining a year of eligibility. Both Vedral and Bunch have used their redshirt seasons. That could lead the Huskers to want to get McCaffrey some game action even if he isn’t the true No. 2.

Dedrick Mills

Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills carries the ball during practice at the Hawks Championship Center.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Running backs

The players

6, Rahmir Johnson, 5-10, 180, fr.

24, Cooper Jewett, 5-10, 190, fr.

25, Ronald Thompkins, 5-11, 195, fr.

26, Dedrick Mills, 5-11, 220, jr.

28, Maurice Washington, 6-1, 190, so.

31, Zach Weinmaster, 5-11, 190, fr.

33, Jaylin Bradley, 6-0, 200, so.

35, Moses Bryant, 5-11, 200, rfr.

37, Wyatt Mazour, 5-9, 200, sr.

38, Brody Belt, 5-8, 185, rfr.

43, Connor Ruth, 5-11, 215, rfr.

46, Corbin Ruth, 6-0, 220, rfr.

49, Austin Hemphill, 5-11, 225, sr.

Second-to-none: Dedrick Mills

Mills is almost in this spot by default, but that’s not to take anything away from what he accomplished before Nebraska’s season opener, which will double as his Husker debut. The junior college back was the ACC freshman of the year at Georgia Tech in 2016 and had a prolific career at Garden City (Kan.) Community College before arriving in Lincoln back in May. Since then, he’s impressed in the weight room and is said to be an excellent practice player. Position coach Ryan Held recently called Mills “a hammer.” Nebraska, as it turns out, needs a hammer in the backfield. Mills is built differently from every other option NU has. His top-end speed may be what dictates whether he’s a good player or a game-breaker, but regardless, he’s a critical piece to the Husker offense.

Two things to watch

1. How much Maurice? As of mid-August, Maurice Washington’s legal proceedings in California were still ongoing. How many games does the sophomore play in? What if he’s capable of doubling his touches from 101 in 2018? What if he doesn’t play? The whole spectrum seems to be in play. That’s something to watch.

2. Who’s next? Listen to Held early in camp and the early reviews of freshman Rahmir Johnson are promising. Wan’Dale Robinson is going to play some running back. The options after Mills and (theoretically) Washington will be important.

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JD Spielman.

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Wide receivers and tight ends

The players

1, Wan’Dale Robinson, 5-10, 190, fr.

3, Jamie Nance, 6-0, 170, fr.

4, Jaevon McQuitty, 6-0, 200, so.

5, Demariyon Houston, 6-0, 180, fr.

8, Jaron Woodyard, 5-11, 185, sr.

9, Kanawai Noa, 6-0, 180, sr.

10, JD Spielman, 5-9, 180, jr.

11, Austin Allen, 6-8, 250, so.

12, Katerian Legrone, 6-3, 245, rfr. (indefinitely suspended)

13, Darien Chase, 6-1, 200, fr.

15, Andre Hunt, 6-0, 190, rfr. (indefinitely suspended)

19, Mike Williams, 5-10, 180, sr.

22, Miles Jones, 5-8, 175, rfr.

29, Bennett Folkers, 6-2, 205, rfr.

35, Riley Kinney, 6-4, 185, fr.

36, Christian Banker, 6-0, 190, so.

40, Brian Perez, 6-3, 265, jr.

45, Ty Chaffin, 6-5, 215, jr.

46, John Goodwin, 6-2, 255, fr.

47, Austin Jablonski, 6-2, 215, fr.

48, Bryson Krull, 6-3, 250, rfr.

81, Kade Warner, 6-1, 210, so.

82, Kurt Rafdal, 6-7, 245, so.

83, Travis Vokolek, 6-6, 250, jr.

85, Wyatt Liewer, 6-3, 195, rfr.

86, Jack Stoll, 6-4, 260, jr.

87, Chris Hickman, 6-6, 215, fr.

89, Todd Honas, 5-11, 210, jr.

Second-to-none: JD Spielman

Spielman’s first two collegiate seasons came with so much production and so much consistency that sometimes it almost seems as though he’s taken for granted. As a mental exercise, take his numbers the first two years — 121 catches, 1,648 yards and 10 touchdowns — and double them while keeping in mind he’s missed four games to injury. Those numbers would rewrite Nebraska’s record books. He could threaten some of his friend Stanley Morgan’s marks as soon as this fall. Spielman is in many ways not your typical receiver. He’s quiet, he doesn’t much care for interviews, he’s not physically imposing. And yet, he’s among the most productive returning receivers in the Big Ten. Spielman has dealt with multiple injuries in his career, and keeping him healthy will be a priority. He’ll have more attention from defenses with Morgan gone. At this point, though, what’s stopping anyone from assuming 60-plus catches and another run toward 1,000 yards?

Two things to watch

1. Who else? Spielman is clearly the No. 1 target, but there are a dozen players vying for time behind him. Head coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Troy Walters are confident enough guys will step up and into big roles. Who will it be? That’s less clear.

2. Multiple freshmen? Wan’Dale Robinson is as close to a sure bet to be a factor as a true freshman can be, assuming he's healthy. Can one or more of Nebraska’s other true freshmen — Jamie Nance, Darien Chase and Demariyon Houston — get in on the action, too?

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Husker offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Offensive line

The players

51, Cameron Jurgens, 6-3, 285, rfr.

52, AJ Forbes, 6-4, 310, rfr.

53, Riley Moses, 6-2, 305, fr.

54, Bryce Benhart, 6-9, 305, fr.

56, Collin Schefke, 6-3, 290, rfr.

56, Boe Wilson, 6-3, 300, jr.

57, Ethan Piper, 6-4, 300, fr.

58, Joshua Wegener, 6-2, 310, jr.

59, Ian Boerkircher, 6-6, 260, rfr.

61, Mitchell Balenger, 6-2, 305, rfr.

62, Nick Vikra, 6-6, 255, sr.

65, Christian Gaylord, 6-6, 310, sr.

66, Hunter Miller, 6-4, 320, so.

67, Garrett Nuss, 6-5, 240, fr.

68, Will Farniok, 6-3, 295, rfr.

70, Matt Sichterman, 6-4, 315, so.

71, Matt Farniok, 6-6, 335, jr.

72, Matthew Anderson, 6-6, 255, fr.

73, Broc Bando, 6-5, 310, so.

74, Brant Banks, 6-7, 300, fr.

75, Trent Hixson, 6-4, 310, so.

76, Brenden Jaimes, 6-6, 300, jr.

77, Michael Lynn, 6-6, 290, fr.

78, Jimmy Fritzche, 6-7, 275, fr.

79, Noah Stafursky, 6-3, 330, fr.

Second-to-none: Brenden Jaimes

It seems like yesterday that Jaimes stepped in on an injury-ravaged offensive line on what was soon to be a lost 2017 season and became just the fifth true freshman to start up front in Nebraska history. At that point, he was (maybe) 270 pounds, but he started NU’s final nine games and held his own. Now, he’s got 21 games of experience, he’s a solid 300 pounds and his next challenge is to show that he can be among the best in a conference known for producing pros. The Austin, Texas, native is a cornerstone-type player for Greg Austin and company. The best part: He’s just a junior in a group that the Huskers feel better and better about and one in which every starter in 2019 is likely to be an underclassman. Jaimes got thrown into the fire early in his career and he’s barely come off the field since. That’s an accomplishment in its own right. Now let’s see what’s in store for Year 3.

What to watch

With so many candidates — Austin said he thinks he’s got 12 guys he can trust in some role or another — might somebody surprise? Can a Broc Bando or a Christian Gaylord contribute? Can a freshman such as Bryce Benhart or Ethan Piper make a run up the depth chart?

Carlos Davis

Carlos Davis was asked to play out of position for much of the 2018 campaign. Back at defensive end, Davis has a chance to put together a disruptive final collegiate season.

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Defensive line

The players

4, Jahkeem Green, 6-5, 315, jr.

9, DaiShon Neal, 6-7, 310, sr.

11, Vaha Vainuku, 6-3, 310, sr.

38, Damian Jackson, 6-2, 275, so.

52, Mosai Newsom, 6-4, 285, fr.

55, Chris Walker, 6-6, 300, so.

70, Matt Huser, 6-5, 300, fr.

75, Fyn Anderson, 6-3, 305, sr.

79, Darrion Daniels, 6-4, 340, sr.

80, Jacob Herbek, 6-5, 220, fr.

82, Colton Feist, 6-2, 280, rfr.

84, Eli Richter, 6-4, 240, fr.

90, Ben Lingenfelter, 6-4, 290, so.

92, Tate Wildeman, 6-5, 290, rfr.

93, Damion Daniels, 6-3, 340, so.

94, Khalil Davis, 6-2, 315, sr.

95, Ben Stille, 6-5, 290, jr.

96, Carlos Davis, 6-3, 320, sr.

97, Deontre Thomas, 6-3, 290, so.

98, Casey Rogers, 6-4, 300, rfr.

99, Ty Robinson, 6-6, 315, fr.

Second-to-none: Carlos Davis

OK, this is a bit of a stretch considering Carlos Davis has a twin brother, but let’s go with it. Davis and brother Khalil return for one final go-around. Carlos, in particular, seems to be taking in a big ol' breath of fresh air. And why not? The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder was forced to play out of position at nose tackle last year when Mick Stoltenberg went down with a knee injury. He held up OK inside, but that’s not where his skillset is best used. Davis and his teammates on the defensive line — which on paper looks like one of the roster’s deepest units — need a big year in 2019. The group has five seniors and plenty of guys that have played a lot of football. For Davis, playing outside and, in all likelihood, in some kind of rotation, should mean more energy, better matchups and opportunity for playmaking. Nebraska needs to take a big step on defense. The defensive line is considered by many as the best unit on that side of the ball. Davis has as much experience as anyone up front. It all adds up to a big opportunity.

Two things to watch

1. Who’s the game-changer? NU’s top six linemen have combined to play in 160 games (Darrion Daniels’ 40 came at Oklahoma State). None, though, has earned first-, second- or third-team all-conference honors. So who is going to go from playing a lot to changing games?

2. Youth infusion? At the least, Nebraska is set up nicely for life after this senior class. Why wait, though? Can a young player — redshirt freshmen Casey Rogers and Tate Wildeman or freshmen Ty Robinson and Mosai Newsom — push for rotational time? It might be a lot to ask, but that’s the key to the future along with incoming juco standout Jahkeem Green.

Mohamed Barry

A stalwart in the middle of Nebraska’s defense, inside linebacker Mohamed Barry finished 2018 with 112 tackles, but wants to play more behind the line of scrimmage as a senior. He’s a captain and is the heartbeat of Erik Chinander’s unit.

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Linebackers

The players

1, Caleb Tannor, 6-2, 220, so.

3, Will Honas, 6-1, 225, jr.

7, Mohamed Barry, 6-1, 245, sr.

10, Jackson Hannah, 6-3, 225, fr.

13, JoJo Domann, 6-1, 235, jr.

22, Alex Davis, 6-5, 250, sr.

28, Luke Reimer, 6-1, 220, fr.

31, Collin Miller, 6-3, 245, jr.

32, Pernell Jefferson, 6-2, 250, jr.

34, Simon Otte, 6-1, 205, rfr.

39, Garrett Hustedt, 6-2, 230, fr.

41, Garrett Snodgrass, 6-3, 225, fr.

42, Nick Henrich, 6-4, 220, fr.

43, Tyrin Ferguson, 6-2, 230, sr.

44, Garrett Nelson, 6-3, 260, fr.

45, David Alston, 6-4, 235, rfr.

50, Jake Archer, 6-0, 215, rfr.

51, Anthony Banderas, 6-1, 225, rfr.

53, Joseph Johnson, 6-3, 240, rfr.

54, Ryan Schommer, 6-4, 250, rfr.

57, Jordan Paup, 6-3, 245, so.

58, Chris Cassidy, 6-1, 225, rfr.

59, Caden McCormack, 6-0, 230, fr.

81, Nick Leader, 6-1, 205, fr.

83, Sam Shurtleff, 6-3, 220, fr.

85, John Bullock, 6-1, 220, fr.

89, Jamin Graham, 6-4, 240, fr.

Second-to-none: Mohamed Barry

Barry compiled 10-plus tackles seven times last year and had seven or more in all but one game en route to finishing sixth in the Big Ten with 112 stops. Next on his to-do list: More big plays. Barry had 11 tackles for loss and two sacks, but, according to the stats in NU’s media guide, the Grayson, Georgia, native has not forced a turnover in his Husker career. He has one fumble recovery, no forced fumbles and no interceptions. In order for Nebraska’s defense to be good, Barry is going to have to be good. That's especially true given the lack of experience elsewhere in the Husker linebacking corps. Barry is a leader and he’s got a chance to crack NU’s top 10 all-time in tackles (99 to tie for 10th). Now, can he become a true difference-making force in the middle? That kind of finale from Barry would go a long way toward solving some of the ills that have plagued the Blackshirts in recent seasons.

Two things to watch

1. Next to Mo? Competition for the inside spot next to Barry figures to be heated — and perhaps a rotation — between juniors Will Honas and Collin Miller. A group of freshmen that includes Jackson Hannah, Garrett Snodgrass and Nick Henrich (once he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery) could push for playing time.

2. Pass-rush punch? Nebraska hasn’t had an elite pass-rush threat from the perimeter in the first two seasons of playing a 3-4 defense — one under Bob Diaco and one under Erik Chinander. Can the answer be a healthy Tyrin Ferguson? How about Caleb Tannor in his second year?

Dicaprio Bootle

Dicaprio Bootle has had a steady rise from unheralded recruit to part time player to entrenched starter. He’s a defensive leader and he’s expected to be Nebraska’s top corner. Bootle isn’t as physically imposing as some of NU’s other defensive backs, but he’s competitive and not afraid to press.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Secondary

The players

2, Tony Butler, 6-2, 220, jr.

4, Avery Anderson, 6-0, 195, sr.

5, Cam Taylor, 6-0, 215, so.

6, Eric Lee, 6-0, 215, sr.

8, Deontai Williams, 6-1, 205, jr.

11, Braxton Clark, 6-4, 200, rfr.

12, Quinton Newsome, 6-2, 180, fr.

16, Ethan Cox, 5-10, 195, so.

18, Myles Farmer, 6-3, 205, fr.

19, Marquel Dismuke, 6-2, 215, jr.

21, Lamar Jackson, 6-3, 215, sr.

23, Dicaprio Bootle, 5-10, 195, jr.

24, Jeremiah Stovall, 5-11, 200, sr.

26, Noa Pola-Gates, 5-11, 175, fr.

30, Eli Sullivan, 6-2, 215, jr.

33, Javin Wright, 6-3, 205, fr.

36, Reid Karel, 6-3, 215, sr.

37, Phalen Sanford, 6-0, 190, rfr.

39, Bradley Bunner, 6-0, 195, so.

47, Tyson Guzman, 6-3, 210, fr.

48, Lane McCallum, 6-2, 220, so.

49, Isaiah Stalbird, 6-0, 210, rfr.

Second-to-none: Dicaprio Bootle

The junior has come a long way in his Nebraska career. From getting discovered as a lightly recruited player out of South Florida to earning playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2017, steadily upward, toward being a stalwart. Bootle enters 2019 with his sights set on being one of the best corners in the league and the country. He’s shown signs of it, racking up 15 pass break-ups last year. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder says he feels much stronger now and is supremely confident in his ability to play press coverage despite lacking overwhelming size. Bootle’s approach and work ethic have impressed Travis Fisher since the coach arrived — something that can be said for perhaps no other member of the Husker secondary who predates the Scott Frost staff. Bootle views himself as one of the best, and time will tell if the rest of the Big Ten will come to know him as the same.

Two things to watch

1. Where does Cam Taylor fit? The sophomore is going to play a lot for Fisher. Where? That’s not exactly clear at this point. Perhaps nickel back, maybe some cornerback. He took safety reps in the spring. Perhaps health will dictate to some degree, but Taylor and freshman Noa Pola-Gates have the makings of Swiss Army knives.

2. Which youngsters (and how many) emerge? Nebraska’s quartet of freshmen — Pola-Gates, Myles Farmer, Quinton Newsome and Javin Wright — are talented and Fisher considers them each ready to push for playing time. The Huskers also have returning veterans at corner and safety. So who cracks the rotation, and at whose expense?

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Kicker Barret Pickering.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Special teams

The players

32, Barret Pickering, 6-0, 200, so.

90, Jackson Walker, 6-4, 260, sr.

91, Cameron Pieper, 6-3, 250, rfr.

92, Chase Urbach, 6-3, 215, sr.

63, Gabe Heins, 6-0, 185, fr.

94, Cade Mueller, 6-0, 230, rfr.

95, Grant Detlefsen, 6-3, 210, fr.

97, Dylan Jorgensen, 5-9, 185, fr.

98, Isaac Armstrong, 5-11, 215, sr.

99, William Przystup, 6-4, 250, rfr.

Second-to-none: Barret Pickering

Through five-plus games in 2018, Pickering was 4-of-8 on field-goal attempts and a 45-yard miss against Northwestern finally seemed to rattle Scott Frost’s confidence in the freshman. From there, though, Pickering made his final 10 kicks. His most memorable effort: 3-of-3 in the wind and snow at Memorial Stadium to provide all of the home team’s points in a 9-6 victory against Michigan State, including a career-long 47-yard game winner. Pickering enters 2019 entrenched as Nebraska’s place-kicker and is the odds-on favorite to handle kickoff duties, too. What looked like a potential question mark turned into a stone-cold lock. The trick with kicking, of course, is it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately discipline. Still, Pickering provides a sense of calm for the Huskers on special teams.

What to watch

When is Nebraska going to finally find some punch in the return game? JD Spielman ripped off a punt return touchdown against Bethune-Cookman and had a kick return score on his first career touch in 2017, but what other big returns can you recall in the past couple years? NU has options: Spielman, Maurice Washington, Demariyon Houston, Jamie Nance, Rahmir Johnson and Miles Jones among them. Can one of them lock down a job?

At a chiseled 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Dedrick Mills looks like he was put on earth to be a running back. Mind you, this isn’t a scat-back we’re talking about. The guess here is Nebraska fans will be buzzing about Mills by midway through the first quarter Saturday as the Huskers open the season against South Alabama.